As ever, art and music remain the pure and punk-rock reaction to injustice, and in many ways, this single and video captures a crucial moment and unignorable lesson from our history.
Hip Hop
Dark and dirty production leads with a rise and fall bass line and snappy vocals, blending rap and melody across a confronting and confident lyrical thread – Music Production House Tune Oven launches a single fit for the spooky season, with the Halloween-ready Bitch To Witch.
Dance Bros is built around a theatrical realm of expression and tribal rhythms, a new voice and sense of character backed by a distinct and rhythmic production of both cinematic and subtly quirky traits.
Versatile artist and rapper KC, currently on the verge of launching a handful of genre-fusing originals, recently released a nostalgic rap anthem and video in the form of the raw and home-made FULLY LOCKED.
Both the production and performances from Malleous and NippyBoy ignite a degree of self-belief and unyielding self-empowerment that’s likely to connect with a whole new audience of modern rap. It’s fun but focused, and speaks volumes on behalf of what we can expect from this creative corner of rap in the near future.
Intertwining political integrity and conscious bars both confronting and personal, Smoke&Bones essentially achieves a fine balance between the sheer confidence of Hip Hop and the more purposeful undertones of independent rap and songwriting that stands the test of time.
Built around a refreshingly simple yet increasingly fast-paced beat, Reality leads with good vibes from the outset, and depicts a leading rapper with a clear story to tell and a series of from-the-heart reflections to shine light on.
“I think rap right now is in a bit of a transitional period. There’s so many great artists, but I do think it’s waiting to see who’s gonna be the next stars for this next decade.”
From ambient and atmospheric hyper trap through a series of emotional deep-dives in relation to self-destruction, pain and hope all intertwined – producer Axtronomical intoxicates listeners, throughout the sixteen-track album DYSPHORIA.
Introducing an intoxicating balance of high-octane rhythms and euphoric production – Child of SP fuses genres with relevance and fluidity, for the boldly thought-provoking single Halo.
Poignant lyrics and piercing sound-design carefully intertwines delicacy and depth – St.Serpentis carves out a gritty and contemplative new lane, with the fascinating and consuming single Razorblade Laced Lullaby.
Retro electronic production introduces a boldly descending riff that instantly works its way into your headspace. AZ131 is quick to redirect expectations though, with the upfront rap vocals and characterful evolution of Keep It Authentic.